Story & Photography by Woody Woodard

The Dancing with the Stars 2019 fundraiser for the STAR Center, sponsored by Leaders Credit Union, was held at the Jackson Fairgrounds. This year 900 plus people reserved tables! This event was like a Broadway production with a centered raised stage, four-sided screen above the dance floor, and tables covering 95% of the floor for the guests.

A Jackson dance group came out to open the show as many were coaches for the dancers. The four judges were introduced, which included Internationally known LoLo Pritchard, who after 15 years of traveling as a professional music singer and songwriter has returned to Jackson. She now works in the music program at the University of Memphis – Lambuth with Dr. Jeremy Tubbs.

Eleven couples performed their dance routines to the cheers of a packed house. The costumes were closely related to their music selection. There were crowd favorites, best costume and best performance. The night was topped off with a record $234,482 funds raised for the STAR Center! Dave Bratcher was astonished with the final results! Jackson should beam with pride for this civic achievement.